Long-life air filter system with HD2 filter
The STIHL MS 261 will win you over with a filter life that is five times longer than that of the MS 260. It is equipped with a long-life air filter system that removes coarse dirt particles by pre-separation. The new HD2 filter made from polyethylene filter material filters out the finest dust particles and is easy to clean. The PET-covered round filter cartridge can be replaced quickly and without tools. The radial seal minimises the amount of dirt in the carburettor.
Decompression valve
The decompression valve is part of the easy starting system. The valve should be pressed before starting to reduce the compression pressure when starting, as well as reducing the effort needed to pull the starter rope. The decompression valve is semi-automatic; it must be pressed manually before starting, but then closes automatically.
Combi lever
As M-Tronic has electronic cold and warm start recognition, only one start position is needed on the combi lever. The exact amount of fuel is supplied on demand. You do not need to know about the status of your chainsaw and can apply full throttle straight away – even with a cold start. Because the saw is warmed up by optimum acceleration in a few seconds.
STIHL M-Tronic (M)
This fully electronic engine management system adjusts ignition timing and fuel metering in all operating modes. It also takes external conditions such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality into account. It ensures consistent engine performance, a constant maximum speed and superb acceleration. M-Tronic makes manual carburettor adjustments unnecessary. Thanks to electronic cold/warm start recognition, now there is only one start position on the combi-lever. The engine starts after fewer pulls and with no change of position, and can immediately accelerate up to speed – even after a cold start. M-Tronic also remembers the settings from the last time the tool was used. So when external conditions are the same, optimal engine performance is available every time you start up again.
Advanced combustion technology
Four overflow channels swirl the fuel-air mix before ignition, allowing for optimum combustion and highly efficient performance. The result is lower fuel consumption and high torque across a broad rpm range.
Anti-vibration system
Intense vibration at the handles of power tools can lead to long-term effects on blood vessels in the hands and arms. STIHL has therefore developed an effective anti-vibration system whereby the oscillations from the machine’s engine are dampened which significantly reduces vibrations at the handles.
Pre-separation air filtration system
STIHL long-life air filtration systems with pre-separation achieve perceptibly longer filter life compared with conventional filter systems. Air drawn in is swirled. The larger, heavier particles are ejected. The pre-cleaned air is routed to the air filter via the pre-separator duct.
Compensator
This controller in the carburettor prevents the fuel-air mixture getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged. The correct quantity of fuel is delivered to the carburettor depending on the quantity of air passing through the air filter. This keeps the fuel/air ratio in the combustion mixture constant and hence also the engine power. The filter doesn’t need to be cleaned until an appreciable drop in power occurs.
Captive nuts
When changing the cutting attachment, you will not risk losing the nuts on the sprocket. The MS 261 is the first STIHL chainsaw to be equipped with the captive nuts. A great advantage for all users.
Variable-displacement oil pump
Allows a precise, demand-based delivery of oil. It’s possible to reduce oil production by up to 50% in the E position. For very long cutting attachments or very dry wood, an additional volume of oil can be added by the user. similar to illustration.
Side chain tensioner
The tensioning screw can be found on the side of the chain saw through the sprocket cover. This removes the need for contact with the sharp saw chain.
Ematic chain lubrication system
The Ematic chain lubrication system ensures pinpoint lubrication of the saw chain links and guide bar rails. When used with STIHL OILOMATIC saw chain, it will provide maximum lubrication, longer wear and less oil consumption than conventional methods of chain lubrication. The Ematic system can reduce bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
STIHL ElastoStart
STIHL ElastoStart reduces the shock caused by the compression of the engine during starting. The compression shock is taken away from the user’s joints and muscles through a spring or rubber element in the starter handle.
Tool free filler caps
Special catches on the fuel and oil tanks for easy opening and locking without the need for tools

Combi lever
As M-Tronic has electronic cold and warm start recognition, only one start position is needed on the combi lever. The exact amount of fuel is supplied on demand. You do not need to know about the status of your chainsaw and can apply full throttle straight away – even with a cold start. Because the saw is warmed up by optimum acceleration in a few seconds.
STIHL M-Tronic (M)
This fully electronic engine management system adjusts ignition timing and fuel metering in all operating modes. It also takes external conditions such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality into account. It ensures consistent engine performance, a constant maximum speed and superb acceleration. M-Tronic makes manual carburettor adjustments unnecessary. Thanks to electronic cold/warm start recognition, now there is only one start position on the combi-lever. The engine starts after fewer pulls and with no change of position, and can immediately accelerate up to speed – even after a cold start. M-Tronic also remembers the settings from the last time the tool was used. So when external conditions are the same, optimal engine performance is available every time you start up again.
Advanced combustion technology
Four overflow channels swirl the fuel-air mix before ignition, allowing for optimum combustion and highly efficient performance. The result is lower fuel consumption and high torque across a broad rpm range.
Anti-vibration system
Intense vibration at the handles of power tools can lead to long-term effects on blood vessels in the hands and arms. STIHL has therefore developed an effective anti-vibration system whereby the oscillations from the machine’s engine are dampened which significantly reduces vibrations at the handles.
Compensator
This controller in the carburettor prevents the fuel-air mixture getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged. The correct quantity of fuel is delivered to the carburettor depending on the quantity of air passing through the air filter. This keeps the fuel/air ratio in the combustion mixture constant and hence also the engine power. The filter doesn’t need to be cleaned until an appreciable drop in power occurs.
Captive nuts
When changing the cutting attachment, you will not risk losing the nuts on the sprocket. The MS 261 is the first STIHL chainsaw to be equipped with the captive nuts. A great advantage for all users.
Variable-displacement oil pump
Allows a precise, demand-based delivery of oil. It’s possible to reduce oil production by up to 50% in the E position. For very long cutting attachments or very dry wood, an additional volume of oil can be added by the user. similar to illustration.
Single-lever master control
All important functions such as start, choke, throttle and stop are operated via a single lever.
Side chain tensioner
The tensioning screw can be found on the side of the chain saw through the sprocket cover. This removes the need for contact with the sharp saw chain.
Ematic chain lubrication system
The Ematic chain lubrication system ensures pinpoint lubrication of the saw chain links and guide bar rails. When used with STIHL OILOMATIC saw chain, it will provide maximum lubrication, longer wear and less oil consumption than conventional methods of chain lubrication. The Ematic system can reduce bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
STIHL ElastoStart
STIHL ElastoStart reduces the shock caused by the compression of the engine during starting. The compression shock is taken away from the user’s joints and muscles through a spring or rubber element in the starter handle.
Tool free filler caps
Special catches on the fuel and oil tanks for easy opening and locking without the need for tools